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Tomato Dal ( Tomato Lentil Curry )

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Ria Pai (@riapai009)
IndianLunchDinnerMain CourseLight MealVegetarianVegan

Tomato Dal is a simple yet flavorful Indian lentil dish made with split yellow lentils (toor dal) and ripe tomatoes. It's a comforting, nutritious, and protein-rich dish, typically served with rice or roti.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
45min
Tomato Dal ( Tomato Lentil Curry ) recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 2 bowls )

Soaking And Preparing Tomato Dal

  • 1cup
    Toor dal
  • Enough Water to wash dal
  • 2cup
    water to soak
  • 1/2tbsp
    Turmeric powder
  • 1/2tbsp
    Red chilli powder
  • 3
    Tomato cubes
  • 2
    roughly chopped green chillies
  • 5
    to 6 crushed garlic pods
  • 1tsp
    salt ( or as required )

Tempering Tomato Dal

  • 1tbsp
    Coconut oil
  • 1tsp
    Mustard seeds
  • 1tsp
    Cumin seeds
  • 6
    crushed garlic pods
  • 1
    Roughly cut dry red chilli
  • Few curry leaves
  • pinch
    of asafoetida

How to make Tomato Dal ( Tomato Lentil Curry )

Soaking dal and preparing for Cooking Dal.

  1. In a utensil , wash and soak 1 cup toor dal . This quantity serves 3- 4 persons , so adjust the quantity as required. Soak toor dal for around 30 minutes . Meanwhile, chop tomatoes, green chillies and garlic . Keep aside.

    Step 1.1: In a utensil , wash and soak 1 cup toor dal
    Step 1.2: In a utensil , wash and soak 1 cup toor dal

Cooking Dal

  1. In a pressure cooker, add soaked dal , red chilli powder and turmeric powder .

    Step 2.1: In a pressure cooker, add soaked dal , red chilli powder and turmeric powder
    Step 2.2: In a pressure cooker, add soaked dal , red chilli powder and turmeric powder

  2. Add chopped tomatoes , green chillies and crushed garlic pods ( this gives a nice aroma to dal ) followed by salt and sufficient water to cook dal ( for 1 cup toor dal I used 2 cups water ).

    Step 2.1: Add chopped tomatoes , green chillies and crushed garlic pods ( this gives a nice aroma to dal ) followed by salt and sufficient water to cook dal ( for 1 cup toor dal I used 2 cups water )
    Step 2.2: Add chopped tomatoes , green chillies and crushed garlic pods ( this gives a nice aroma to dal ) followed by salt and sufficient water to cook dal ( for 1 cup toor dal I used 2 cups water )
    Step 2.3: Add chopped tomatoes , green chillies and crushed garlic pods ( this gives a nice aroma to dal ) followed by salt and sufficient water to cook dal ( for 1 cup toor dal I used 2 cups water )

  3. Pressure cook for 4 whistles and let it depressure naturally.

    Step 2.1: Pressure cook for 4 whistles and let it depressure naturally

  4. Check on the dal and give it a nice mix.

    Step 2.1: Check on the dal and give it a nice mix

Tempering Dal

  1. Heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, crushed garlic pods , dry red chilli, few curry leaves and pinch of asafoetida. Add this tempering to the hot dal. Mix well. Garnish some coriander leaves.

    Step 3.1: Heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, crushed garlic pods , dry red chilli, few curry leaves and pinch of asafoetida
    Step 3.2: Heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, crushed garlic pods , dry red chilli, few curry leaves and pinch of asafoetida
    Step 3.3: Heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, crushed garlic pods , dry red chilli, few curry leaves and pinch of asafoetida

  2. Delicious Dal is ready to serve with Hot Rice.

    Step 3.1: Delicious Dal is ready to serve with Hot Rice
    Step 3.2: Delicious Dal is ready to serve with Hot Rice

Tips & Tricks

  1. Soaking toor dal for atleast 30 minutes before cooking reduces cooking time and ensures even, soft texture. This also helps in easier digestion.

  2. Ripe, juicy tomatoes enhance the flavor of the dal, giving it a tangy richness. If tomatoes are too sour, balance it by adding a pinch of sugar or jaggery.

  3. After cooking, let the dal sit for a few minutes before serving. The resting time allows the flavors to meld together better.

FAQS

  1. How do I cook Tomato Dal in a pressure cooker?

    To cook Tomato Dal in a pressure cooker, first wash and soak 1 cup of toor dal for about 30 minutes. In the cooker, combine the soaked dal with 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, red chili powder, chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and crushed garlic. Pressure cook for 4 whistles and allow it to depressurize naturally. Finally, prepare the tempering with coconut oil, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and garlic, and mix it into the cooked dal.

  2. Is Tomato Dal suitable for a vegan diet?

    Yes, Tomato Dal is suitable for a vegan diet as it is made with plant-based ingredients like toor dal, tomatoes, and spices. Just ensure that the coconut oil used is also vegan-friendly, which it typically is.

  3. What can I substitute for toor dal in Tomato Dal?

    If you don't have toor dal, you can substitute it with split red lentils (masoor dal) or yellow split peas. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

  4. How should I store leftover Tomato Dal?

    Leftover Tomato Dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if it has thickened.

  5. What dishes pair well with Tomato Dal?

    Tomato Dal pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roti, or naan. You can also serve it alongside a side of vegetable curry or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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Ria Pai

(@riapai009)

Welcome to my food blog, where passion for cooking meets a love for exploring flavors. Discover easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration from kitchens near and...

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